Poetry - Intellectual vs Soulful

I have been submitting a few of my poems to a special interest magazine that I subscribe to and whilst having received some kind comments, my latest submissions were critiqued negatively/constructively by another longstanding, and respected member. Proof that poetry is subjective by nature. I had, in previous editions, opened up the debate as to whether one needed change their own poetry based on another persons comments. Not for not wanting to change it out of stubborness, but due to not understanding why one would want to change what one's soul has already said. (Did my soul lie at the time of writing? Can your soul lie?) I was reminded that the format of the magazine was a workshop and therefore people presented their poems in order for them to be critiqued and improved. The same member who kindly reminded me of this also admitted to not trusting their soul as I seem to do mine (her words, paraphrased).

So there it is in a nut shell. Some people write intellectually, whether the content be about emotions or otherwise, and try to improve the poems for the enjoyment and approval of others, whilst others write automatically and cherish the communication that the poem as brought out from the soul. In my case I am the latter, and whilst I have appreciated the comments given on my poems thus far, I challenge the former to recognise the latter as a valid use of poetry and expression. (Call me a rebel but who cares about "an unnecessary use of rhyme" versus "simple refrain" when the journey of the soul is the goal) - oh man! An unintented rhyme to end on...

Poetry & Art

Inspiration has hit! I have been wondering for a while now how to turn some of my poetry into art to display on my walls at home instead of buying the usual high street chain wall art that is on offer which ends up being, whilst pretty at times, a visual image taking up my living space that has nothing to do with my background, experience or journey. Nothing to do with who I am. So I started searching for links to poetry and art and found a photographer's work on Flickr who had put quotes into a scrap book as a present for a friend. I shall have a go at something artistic and post it when done!

Here it is! Finally an update November 2010. I created this drawing to compliment a poem recently written (in the lower middle of image) and as a way to get into a prayerful mood as, often, my mind races too much to concentrate. I hope to do more soon...